More infectious COVID-19 strains known in 3 states and 33 countries: Learn what

The first known infectious COVID-19 variant in the United Kingdom was launched in the U.S. And as vaccines continue to ripen around the world, vaccines around the world are threatening to put more strain on overly deficient health care systems.

At least three U.S. States and countries 33 countries have identified new variants, called B1..7. referred to as. Some countries have also identified an additional type, first known in South Africa, which appears to infect people more easily.

“Because variants spread faster, they can lead to more cases and put more strain on our overburdened health care systems,” said Dr. Henry Walk, event manager at the COVID-19 response centers for disease control and prevention. . “

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Colorado has confirmed the first known U.S. case of a new coronavirus strain known in the United Kingdom.

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“We need to be even more vigilant in our prevention measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Here is what we know about B.1.1.7.

How much more contagious is the new strain?

CDC According to No, the first identified strains in the UK spread more easily and quickly than other strains. The strain was first seen in south-east England in September and a quarter of the cases in London by November. By the week of December 9, he was responsible for 60% of cases in the city.

What makes the new strain of COVID-19 more contagious?

C.R.C. The virus, which causes a disease called COVID-19, changes regularly and receives about one new mutation in its genome every two weeks, according to the CDC. There are a number of mutations in the UK that affect the “spike protein” on the virus surface that attaches to human cells.

“It is able to bind receptors better on cells, and so it is better able to infect,” said the nation’s leading infectious disease specialist, Dr. Anthony Fawcett said last week.

Is the new COVID-19 strain more lethal?

There is no evidence that B.1.1. Causes more serious illness or increases the risk of death, according to the CDC.

Is the vaccine effective for a new vaccine?

Researchers believe that the existing COVID-19 vaccine will probably protect against B.1.1.7, but data are needed. According to the CDC, the virus is “likely to accumulate multiple mutations in spike proteins to avoid immunity caused by vaccines or natural infections.”

“From what we know from experience with this mutation and other mutations, vaccine-induced immunity or previous strains are unlikely to have a major impact on existing immunity,” said Dr. Greg Armstrong, director of advanced molecular detection at CDC’s Advanced Fees. . Armstrong said it was unclear how COVID-19 could respond to treatments such as monoclonal antibody treatment.

U.S. How long is the variable in?

Researchers first discovered the U.S. in Colorado on December 28th. Identified variant B.1.1.7 in which no Covid-19 patient has been reported, with no travel history, indicating that the virus was transmitted from person to person in the community. It is not clear how widespread the variable has become, experts say.

According to the CDC, the virus alone accounts for about 1,000,000 U.S. cases. There are now more than 200 million confirmed cases in the country. The CDC said last month that smallpox infections in the U.S. have been indexed, which could occur in the United States without being detected.

The CDC said it plans to launch a national stress surveillance program this month, in which each state will have to submit at least 10 samples for bilateral sequencing.

Where has the new strain been found?

The B1.1.7 strain has been identified in California, Colorado and Florida, and public health experts expect it to be identified in more states in the coming days.

The strain has been diagnosed in at least 33 countries, including: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta. , Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

South Africa has also identified a strain similar to B1.1..7, but it independently identified B1.1.7 in October. of and it is not relevant according to the CDC. Like the B1.1..7, the South African variant (B.1.351) appears to spread more easily and quickly but is not more intense. U.S. health officials said last week that they did not know if U.S. Tensions in South Africa are also spreading

A third type also emerged this autumn and has been found in Nigeria, but according to the CDC, there is no evidence that it is more serious or more transmissible.

This article originally appeared on USA Today: More Infectious Covid-19 Strain Known in 3 States and 33 Countries: Learn What